001[Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Heat. Hey, heat. Hey, heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Hey, [Music] hey, hey. [Music] Welcome to Johnston County Public Schools, where innovation meets excellence and every student is inspired to soar with [Music] Welcome to Johnston County Public Schools, where innovation meets excellence and every student is inspired to soar. With over 37,000 students and more than 5,000 dedicated professionals, we are more than just a school district. We are a family, a vibrant, growing, diverse community with one clear goal, academic excellence. Our northstar, student proficiency and academic growth. And by staying true to this vision, Johnston County Public Schools has earned district-wide recognition for excellence. As our population grows, so does our commitment. With the
002help of our board of commissioners and dedicated stakeholders, we're building new schools, modernizing facilities, and creating innovative learning environments designed for 21st century success. This is a communitywide effort, a partnership built on trust, collaboration, and a shared vision for the future. At Johnston County Public Schools, we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive in the classroom and in life. And every educator and employee deserves a career where they can grow and make an impact. We are Johnston County Public Schools, united in purpose and committed to excellence. Join us as we build the future, one student at a time. [Music] Come on. A little bit louder. Forward. And what you need to know, and we know this, is when leaders rise, kids win. And we're all about kids winning. [Applause] And I think that
003the plan that Dr. Pierce have already laid out for us that he understands that academic and student growth is going to be one of his number one priorities. And as a community, the community, we engage about how we're going to uh make sure that students are growing at the same time. [Music] Yeah. So, I think back to kind of in his opening statement, Dr. Pierce talked a little bit about something that resonated with me, which was uh being clear is to be kind. And uh kindness is something that's it's an important character trait for me. I like to look at it for other people. I want to represent that. And I think that that is one thing I can a little step that I can take, right? clarity in my instructions and what I'm asking
004from other people or um what we're going to do and why we're going to do it is going to be an important step that helps keeping up helps us keep moving forward as we go through. So I want to be clear so that I can be kind. [Music] This assistant principal is a tremendous asset to the school and to Johnston County Public Schools. She is a highly supportive and positive leader who consistently goes above and beyond for both staff and students. She leads by example, demonstrating a strong work ethic, building meaningful relationships, and maintaining a positive presence throughout the school. Her professional development sessions are engaging and impactful, and she ensures all staff feel heard and valued. From greeting the community to helping with prek breakfast, she is deeply involved in all aspects of school
005life. Her energy, encouragement, and respectful communication make her a role model and make coming to work enjoyable for everyone at school. Please help me congratulate Miss Lauren Strickland, assistant principal of the year, formerly from Pine Level Elementary and currently the AP at Valenta Elementary. This principal is a transformational leader who sets high expectations while fostering a supportive, positive, and empowering school environment. She is deeply committed to the success of both students and staff. Providing the tools, guidance, and encouragement needed for everyone to thrive. Known for her compassion, professionalism, and open door leadership, she builds strong relationships and leads by example. Under her visionary guidance, our school has seen remarkable improvements in academic achievement, school culture, and community engagement. Our school has become a place where all stakeholders feel seen, heard, and valued. Her visibility, consistency,
006and empathy set her apart as a truly exceptional leader. Please help me congratulate Dr. Tea Dunston, our Amy Renfro leadership principal of the year from Vincent Elementary. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] I'm so grateful for all of them and the support that they provide every day. I call them my base because every principal needs a base. You need someone that you can go to in the toughest of times. Miss Hollowman can attest to when I was out with cancer and I would text her and say, "But I just want to be there so bad." And she say, "Take care of you and then come back to us cuz the work is not done. It's only begun. So let's go together throughout this year making it another great year. Heat. Heat. [Music] Don't forget Two letter
007for kindergarten. [Music] Hello, my name is Caitlyn Noli. I recently graduated from West Johnston High School and I'm the recipient of the Park Scholarship at North Carolina State University. [Music] I was definitely shocked um when I opened the email that said that I received the Park Scholarship, but I was obviously very incredibly grateful um for the opportunity and it felt like all of my hard work had really paid off and I'm very excited to spend the next four years at NC State, but more than that, just to be a member of the parks scholarship community. I'm attending North Carolina State University and I'm majoring in mechanical engineering and I think I may minor in computer science. A lot of things excite me about mechanical engineering. I think what excites me the most is just having
008the opportunity to solve real world problems. I've had the opportunity to have a lot of hands-on engineering experience through robotics and I'm really just excited to do that on the collegiate level and to take higher like level classes and courses and just also to do that with other students who are also passionate about engineering. And something that I'm really passionate about is advocating for underserved students in STEM. And I just think it's really important for everyone to have access to see where STEM can take them and the different opportunities it can open up for them. Something that I do is I help teach girls teach tech classes at the Clayton Library actually and it's free technology classes for girls grade sixth to 8th and we teach different classes like artificial intelligence, 3D printing, machine learning
009and it's just to give everyone and say that anyone can do STEM. I'm most excited just to meet new people and have the opportunity to make new friends and just to experience life kind of in the new environment of being at college. Um, I'm excited to try all the new opportunities at state, especially different student organizations for advocacy, robotics, and women in STEM. And, um, just also to be able to be around students who are passionate about engineering as well. [Music] Welcome to Johnston County Public Schools, where there's always something great happening. Today, we're taking you on a visual tour, giving you an update on our 2022 bond projects, and showing you exactly where we stand as we begin planning for our upcoming 2024 bond initiatives. First, we're taking you to Princeton Middle High, where
010we've implemented some vital transformations. The primary goal was to provide restroom facilities that are fully compliant with current codes and offer enhanced ADA accessibility, ensuring comfort and safety for everyone. In addition, we've also significantly improved the school's infrastructure by adding a dedicated equipment storage area and the capacity for another concession stand to better serve the needs of the school community. Our next stop is Cooper Academy, a campus that's undergone a major renovation, as these pictures clearly show. When we first met with stakeholders, including students and staff, a consistent theme emerged. The need for a connector to unify the entire school. Thanks to the 2022 bond, we were able to add 20 classrooms, two resource rooms, three staff workrooms, several muchneeded group restrooms, and new offices. These additions have truly tied the school together. Cooper Academy
011also has a touch of the 2024 bond in its future. It's one of the schools slated for a fire alarm upgrade, a project that's now underway, further enhancing safety and modernization. Our next stop is Swift Creek Elementary, a truly exciting addition to Johnston County Public Schools. This marks our 25th elementary school, which is a testament to our district's vibrant growth. This new campus is designed to meet a variety of needs. It will help alleviate the need for mobile classrooms at other sites like Palenta while also looking to the future as our county continues its rapid expansion. Inside the new elementary school offers a complimentary mix of color and value, creating an inviting learning environment. The principal and some staff have already moved in, beginning to make themselves at home in this fantastic new space. Last,
012but certainly not least on our tour of the 2022 bond projects is the truly ambitious Wilson's Mills High School. This isn't just a construction site. It is a full-scale project where every feature is progressing simultaneously due to its sheer size and scope. As you watch, you'll see the third story taking shape with ceiling hangers just beginning to go into place, defining the future classrooms and hallways. Look closer and you'll see that sheetrock is being hung and vital electrical, plumbing, and sprinkler systems are being meticulously installed throughout the building. At the same time, some exterior walls are already receiving their brick and glass facades. These recent drone photos illustrate just how much this monumental project has advanced in the past 12 months, rapidly moving from concept to a tangible, impressive structure that will soon serve our
013growing community. Heat. Heat. [Music] Hello, my name is Barry Everson. I recently graduated from Johnson County Early College Academy and I am the recipient of an athletic track and field scholarship to ENT. [Music] My immediate reaction was like, "Dang, like that's I really made it this far." I show my mom, she was like, she was tearing up and all that. Just felt amazing. It was like, dang, you really really made it. I'm really going D1. Cuz that's been a dream of mine since I was a little kid. I know it's been my dad's plan, my mom's plan. I really just Yeah, I just gave it like put into reality honestly. So, we always definitely having an emotional time opening up that letter. Yeah, for sure. So, right now I plan to go to North Carolina
014ENT for uh computer engineering. Plan on majoring in computer engineering. Um I love like the intricate parts of computers. like I've always been into like technology and all that. Um I built my own PC and took apart my own PC and then put it back together. You know what I'm saying? Um so I feel like as long as I'm into the hardware and aesthetic aspect of building PCs, I feel like I I could really do that for the rest of my life. During orientation, I definitely saw a lot of different people, you know. Um, like during the orientation, we was calling out our area codes and like people from Texas, people from LA. So, it's like I really get to experience all of that in one space pretty much instead of going having to go
015all different parts of the country. So, I'm definitely excited for that social aspect. Now, the track team, traveling with the track team on a bus, that's going to be fun. I'm ready. I'm excited for that for sure. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Hey, [Music] hey, hey. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Hey, [Music] Hey, [Music] hey, hey. [Music] Heat. Hey, Heat. [Music] Hey. [Music] Heat. Hey, Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Welcome to Johnston County Public Schools, where innovation meets excellence and every student is inspired to soar. With over 37,000 students and more than 5,000 dedicated professionals, we are more than just a school district. We are a family, a vibrant, growing, diverse community with one clear goal, academic excellence. Our northstar, student proficiency and academic
016growth. And by staying true to this vision, Johnston County Public Schools has earned district-wide recognition for excellence. As our population grows, so does our commitment. With the help of our board of commissioners and dedicated stakeholders, we're building new schools, modernizing facilities, and creating innovative learning environments designed for 21st century success. This is a communitywide effort, a partnership built on trust, collaboration, and a shared vision for the future. At Johnston County Public Schools, we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive in the classroom and in life. And every educator and employee deserves a career where they can grow and make an impact. We are Johnston County Public Schools, united in purpose and committed to excellence. Join us as we build the future, one student at a time. [Music] Come on. A little bit louder.
017Forward. And what you need to know, and we know this, is when leaders rise, kids win. And we're all about kids winning. [Applause] [Music] And I think that the plan that Dr. Pierce have already laid out for us that he understands that academic and student growth is going to be one of his number one priorities. And as a community, the community we engaged about how we're going to uh make sure that students are growing at the same time. [Music] [Applause] Yeah. So, I think back to kind of in his opening statement, Dr. Pierce talked a little bit about something that resonated with me, which was uh being clear is to be kind. And uh kindness is something that's an important character trait for me. I like to look at it for other people. I want
018to represent that. And I think that that is one thing I can a little step that I can take right like clarity in my instructions and what I'm asking from other people or um what we're going to do and why we're going to do it uh is going to be an important step that helps keeping up helps us keep moving forward as we go through. So I want to be clear so that I can be guided. [Music] This assistant principal is a tremendous asset to the school and to Johnston County Public Schools. She is a highly supportive and positive leader who consistently goes above and beyond for both staff and students. She leads by example, demonstrating a strong work ethic, building meaningful relationships and maintaining a positive presence throughout the school. Her professional development sessions
019are engaging and impactful, and she ensures all staff feel heard and valued. From greeting the community to helping with prek breakfast, she is deeply involved in all aspects of school life. Her energy, encouragement, and respectful communication make her a role model and make coming to work enjoyable for everyone at school. Please help me congratulate Miss Lauren Strickland, assistant principal of the year, formerly from Pine Level Elementary and currently the AP at Palenta Elementary. This principal is a transformational leader who sets high expectations while fostering a supportive, positive, and empowering school environment. She is deeply committed to the success of both students and staff, providing the tools, guidance, and encouragement needed for everyone to thrive. Known for her compassion, professionalism, and open door leadership, she builds strong relationships and leads by example. Under her visionary guidance,
020our school has seen remarkable improvements in academic achievement, school culture, and community engagement. Our school has become a place where all stakeholders feel seen, heard, and valued. Her visibility, consistency, and empathy set her apart as a truly exceptional leader. Please help me congratulate Dr. Tea Dunston, our Amy Renfro leadership principal of the year from Vincent Elementary. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] I'm so grateful for all of them and the support that they provide every day. I call them my base because every principal needs a base. You need someone that you can go to in the toughest of times. Miss Hollerman can attest to when I was out with cancer and I would text her and say, "But I just want to be there so bad." And she'd say, "Take care of you." And then come
021back to us cuz the work is not done. It's only begun. So let's go together throughout this year making it another great year. [Music] Okay. [Music] Welcome to Johnston County Public Schools, where innovation meets excellence and every student is inspired to soar. With over 37,000 students and more than 5,000 dedicated professionals, we are more than just a school district. We are a family, a vibrant, growing, diverse community with one clear goal, academic excellence. Our northstar, student proficiency and academic growth. And by staying true to this vision, Johnston County Public Schools has earned district-wide recognition for excellence. As our population grows, so does our commitment. With the help of our board of commissioners and dedicated stakeholders, we're building new schools, modernizing facilities, and creating innovative learning environments designed for 21st century success. This is a communitywide
022effort, a partnership built on trust, collaboration, and a shared vision for the future. At Johnston County Public Schools, we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive in the classroom and in life. And every educator and employee deserves a career where they can grow and make an impact. We are Johnston County Public Schools, united in purpose and committed to excellence. Join us as we build the future, one student at a time. [Music] Come on. A little bit louder. Forward. And what you need to know, and we know this, is when leaders rise, kids win. And we're all about kids winning. [Applause] [Music] And I think that the plan that Dr. Pierce have already laid out for us that he understands that academic and student growth is going to be one of his number one
023priorities and as a community the community we engage about how we're going to uh make sure that students are growing at the same time. [Music] [Applause] Yeah. So, I think back to kind of in his opening statement, Dr. Pierce talked a little bit about something that resonated with me, which was uh being clear is to be kind. And uh kindness is something that's it's an important character trait for me. I like to look at it for other people. I want to represent that. And I think that that is one thing I can a little step that I can take, right? clarity in my instruction and what I'm asking from other people or um what we're going to do and why we're going to do it uh is going to be an important step that helps
024keeping up helps us keep moving forward as we go through. So I want to be clear so that I can be kind. [Music] This assistant principal is a tremendous asset to the school and to Johnston County Public Schools. She is a highly supportive and positive leader who consistently goes above and beyond for both staff and students. She leads by example, demonstrating a strong work ethic, building meaningful relationships and maintaining a positive presence throughout the school. Her professional development sessions are engaging and impactful, and she ensures all staff feel heard and valued. From greeting the community to helping with prek breakfast, she is deeply involved in all aspects of school life. Her energy, encouragement, and respectful communication make her a role model and make coming to work enjoyable for everyone at school. Please help me congratulate
025Miss Lauren Strickland, assistant principal of the year, formerly from Pine Level Elementary and currently the AP at Valenta Elementary. This principal is a transformational leader who sets high expectations while fostering a supportive, positive, and empowering school environment. She is deeply committed to the success of both students and staff, providing the tools, guidance, and encouragement needed for everyone to thrive. Known for her compassion, professionalism, and open door leadership, she builds strong relationships and leads by example. Under her visionary guidance, our school has seen remarkable improvements in academic achievement, school culture, and community engagement. Our school has become a place where all stakeholders feel seen, heard, and valued. Her visibility, consistency, and empathy set her apart as a truly exceptional leader. Please help me congratulate Dr. Tea Dunston, our Amy Renfro leadership principal of the year from
026Benson Elementary. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] I'm so grateful for all of them and the support that they provide every day. I call them my base because every principal needs a base. You need someone that you can go to in the toughest of times. Miss Hollowman can attest to when I was out with cancer and I would text her and say, "But I just want to be there so bad." And she say, "Take care of you and then come back to us cuz the work is not done. It's only begun. So let's go together throughout this year making it another great year. [Music]